Abstract: Disclosed examples include integrated circuits and bipolar transistors with a first region of a first conductivity type in a substrate, a collector region of a second conductivity type disposed in the substrate, and a base region of the first conductivity type extending into the first region. A first emitter region of the second conductivity type extends into the first region and includes a lateral side spaced from and facing the base region. A second emitter region of the second conductivity type extends downward into the first region, abutting the top surface and an upper portion of the first lateral side of the first emitter region to mitigate surface effects and gain degradation caused by hydrogen injection from radiation to provide a radiation hardened bipolar transistor.

Abstract: A host-managed gift card program may enable merchants to offer and redeem gift cards without integrating a gift card program with a point of sale (POS) system used by the merchant. The merchant may rely on a host, at least in part, to issue gift cards, manage a ledger, assist in redemption of gift cards when the cards are redeemed at the merchant's location, and perform other gift card-related tasks for the merchant.

Abstract: A semiconductor device containing an NPN bipolar junction transistor may be formed by forming a p-type radiation induced diode structure (RIDS) region in an intrinsic p-type base region of the NPN bipolar junction transistor at a boundary of the intrinsic p-type base region with a dielectric layer over a substrate of the semiconductor device, between an emitter of the NPN bipolar junction transistor and an extrinsic p-type base region of the NPN bipolar junction transistor. The p-type RIDS region has a doping density high enough to prevent inversion of a surface of the p-type RIDS region adjacent to the dielectric layer when trapped charge is accumulated in the dielectric layer, while the intrinsic p-type base region may invert from the trapped charge forming the radiation induced diode structure. The p-type RIDS region is separated from the emitter and from the extrinsic base region by portions of the intrinsic base region.

Abstract: System and method to inspect hygienic articles. Defects are detected using a vision system by comparing an inspection image of a component to a reference image of a defect-free component. Detection of a defect can then be used to reject components and perform other functions.

Abstract: A semiconductor device containing an NPN bipolar junction transistor may be formed by forming a p-type radiation induced diode structure (RIDS) region in an intrinsic p-type base region of the NPN bipolar junction transistor at a boundary of the intrinsic p-type base region with a dielectric layer over a substrate of the semiconductor device, between an emitter of the NPN bipolar junction transistor and an extrinsic p-type base region of the NPN bipolar junction transistor. The p-type RIDS region has a doping density high enough to prevent inversion of a surface of the p-type RIDS region adjacent to the dielectric layer when trapped charge is accumulated in the dielectric layer, while the intrinsic p-type base region may invert from the trapped charge forming the radiation induced diode structure. The p-type RIDS region is separated from the emitter and from the extrinsic base region by portions of the intrinsic base region.

Abstract: System and method to inspect hygienic articles. Defects are detected using a vision system by comparing an inspection image of a component to a reference image of a defect-free component. Detection of a defect can then be used to reject components and perform other functions.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for refurbishing a gas distribution plate assembly utilized in a deposition chamber or etch chamber. In one embodiment, a method for refurbishing a gas distribution plate assembly is provided. The method includes urging a faceplate of a gas distribution plate assembly against a polishing pad of a polishing device, the faceplate having a plurality of gas distribution holes disposed therein, providing relative motion between the faceplate and the polishing pad, and polishing the faceplate against the polishing pad.

Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The range shift mechanism is arranged to concurrently move two components of the planetary gearset and can be synchronized to permit on-the-move range shifts.

Abstract: A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a ball-ramp clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.

Abstract: A stop member adapted to be mounted on the body of a valve has abutment stops to define the open and closed position of the valve and a portion which acts as a retainer to retain the closure member of the valve against vertical movement. The stop member has a surface which acts as a guide and support for the handle. Mounting means are provided on the body of the valve and on the stop member which are formed in such a manner to insure that the stop member will be mounted on the valve body in only one position of orientation between the abutment stops and the inlet and outlet ports of the valve.